Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Newsletter Number 3! As you’ll be able to see
in the following pages, it has been an extremely busy few
months since we last updated you on what we have been
up to both on site and further afield. As I write this, we’ve
had our school Christmas meal and the collection of donated
items for the Surviving Christmas charity. Huge thanks for
your contributions which have stretched all the way along the
main corridor. Such signs of kindness and generosity are
important, not just at this time of year, but also as part of our
continued dedication to Catholic Social Teaching. There are
further examples of our solidarity as a community within these
pages.
One thing that is certainly true of St Richard’s is how much
pupils and their families value their time at the school and
stay in touch beyond their days in uniform. This certainly
resonated with me during the Prize Evening earlier in the
term when we welcomed back the Year 12s to receive their
GCSE certificates. It was superb to see them all, hear how
they are progressing in their colleges and apprenticeships
and also hear from alumni about their days at St Richard’s.
As you will know if you’ve been into school, we keep the
school photographs on display as a source of inspiration
and a reminder that we are ‘always St Richard’s’ and here to
support each other.
Academically speaking, we returned after half term to now
well established routines and the challenge of the mock
examinations for Year 11. During Parents’ Evening this
week, it was wonderful to see so many families attending,
supporting the pupils and looking to glean some extra words
of encouragement and guidance before the next round of
examinations begins in the New Year. Time is very much
of the essence and as a team of staff, we are absolutely
committed to ensuring that every child fulfills their potential,
not just in Year 11, but further down the school as well. Early
November saw our School Council organising the collection
for The Royal British Legion and Remembrance, supported
by activities in every subject across November 11th as well
as our two minutes of silence. Many of you will have seen
our Remembrance display in the foyer when you came in
great numbers to support the PTFA Christmas Fayre, held
on November 16th. It was a wonderful event with the team
raising over four thousand pounds - a fantastic achievement
- which will certainly lay down the gauntlet for future events
next year. As ever, the community aspect of St. Richard’s
shone through with staff, parents, carers, PTFA, governors,
friends and pupils all having a great afternoon.
We’ve also been busy at the weekends and in the evenings
as well. The Polo Piatti musical event on Sunday, November
17th was a triumph with our choir being asked for an
extended encore at the end of the afternoon and more
recently, our German Market Trip and Ski Trip have given
pupils and staff the opportunity to travel further afield and
enjoy some time in foreign climes - and a chance to practice
those language skills.
The Herstmonceux evenings were also well supported
with the Science Team (and some keen staff astronomers)
whisking pupils off for some star gazing and celestial studies.
This is just a flavour of the trips that have been supported
this term. In Art, Mr Peachment and his team have supported
local exhibitions and also, once again, hosted the Peace
Poster Competition, judged by The Bexhill Lions - more
news of this in January. We said farewell to Fr. Simon and
greeted Fr. Stephen in mid November. I know you’ll join with
me in wishing Fr. Simon all the very best for the future and
Fr. Stephen has been richly involved already, with visits into
school and also, supported by Fr. Bruno, Fr. Chris, Fr. Kevin
and Fr. Max, undertook Advent Reconciliation across Friday
December 6th with pupils who queued and waited patiently
for their turn.
The Trinity Laban Workshops, Great St Richard’s Bake Off,
Spanish Theatre performances, Piano and Vocal Recitals
and Knockhatch Skiing lessons were more examples of our
commitment to enrichment, but the pinnacle was surely seen
during Wednesday, December 4th, when Corporal Craig
Cornielle of the British Army brought his team to serenade
Year 8 during their music lessons with festive tunes and then
answer some questions. The sounds of Mariah Carey never
sounded so loud and during lunch they continued playing
in the Hall and playground to the delight of everyone. The
same day saw us sending teams to Tanbridge in Horsham
for the English Schools National Cup and welcoming Volker
Fitzpatrick to Design and Technology whilst thirty Year 9
pupils made their way to Bexhill College for a Legally Blonde
Jr. visit. It’s safe to say that the day will live long in the
memory!
Closer to home, we continued our community work with
our support of the SVP Tea Party at St Martha’s Church
and welcomed the Young Person’s Advisory Group just this
week. As we move closer to the end of term, I look forward to
seeing as many of you as possible at our Advent Service next
Thursday (19th) at 6pm.
Just a reminder that Term 3 is due to finish for pupils at
1.15pm on Friday, December 20th. Term 4 will begin at
8.40am on Monday, January 6th. I welcome your support
in ensuring that pupils return in accordance with uniform
and appearance expectations having had a wonderful and
blessed Christmas.
With best wishes,
Paul Barber, Principal
Page 1
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
A High Performing Specialist Science School
December 2024
St. Richard’s Catholic College
Ashdown Road, Bexhill-On-Sea
East Sussex TN40 1SE
Tel: 01424 731070
Email: admin@strichardscc.com
www.strichardscc.com
Principal: P Barber, NPQH, NPQEL, FCCT, BA (Hons)
Newsletter 3
The winter term is one of my favourites, with so many
wonderful festive activities taking place across the season,
from the Christmas Fayre to the Carol Service, and all the
excitement of Advent in between. Pupils are able to get into
the spirit of things with our two form assemblies run by 8F
and 8L, as well as the Christmas Jumper ‘mufti day’ in aid of
Surviving Christmas, where Year 8 pupils were encouraged
to bring a £1 and non-perishable sweets and chocolates to
help support struggling families this December.
Charity and Catholic Social Teaching
The seven key principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:
Preferential Options for the Poor, The Common Good, Care
for Creation, The Sanctity of Life, Solidarity, Rights and
Responsibilities and Dignity of Work. These values appear
across the curriculum at St. Richards and are often focused
on during form time and assemblies. In light of this and our
commitment and dedication to charity, I am so excited for
8H’s charity event taking place this term, which will hopefully
involve a Christmas sale! This will be the first form-led
charity event of Year 8 and I am certain they will set the bar
high.
Parent Support
Thank you so much for the consistent, wonderful support
we receive from parents regarding attendance, attainment
and behaviour. We had a number of truly excellent progress
reports and I am so proud of all of our pupils - particularly
those who received a certificate for having so many ‘Good’
and ‘Excellent’ grades. The home-school agreement is
invaluable in ensuring all our pupils are supported in a fair
and safe environment, with consistent expectations across
their day. In light of this, thank you also to the numerous
parents who completed the form for extra house points
and a Christmas bottle of prosecco! I am so pleased to
announce that a winner has been chosen, so please look
out for contact home in the next few days.
Pupils of note
Huge congratulations to Emilia for performing at the ‘Music
for Youth’ Proms at the Royal Albert Hall - what an incredible
achievement! We also have some pupils who have been
awarded their ‘bronze badge’ for house points, gaining
over 200 already: Cyril, Layla, Lottie and Ava. Keep up the
brilliant work! As a year group, we have over 20,000 house
points! 8F and 8L are our form leaders with over 3,000
each, whilst 8S continues to have the best attendance, with
a class average of over 98%.
A fantastic year so far - well done and enjoy the rest with
your families.
As we approach the end of another very successful term,
I wanted to highlight why I feel that Year 7 continues to
flourish here at St Richard’s. Every morning I have a
constant stream of pupils at my door wanting to collect
their rewards for reaching a House Point milestone. What
is wonderful is that they are rarely by themselves, bringing
their friends to share their achievements. In these moments
I am blessed as I get to hear first hand of their successes
and see big smiles. It is a great way to start the school day!
Engagement in clubs is always a great indicator to see how
much pupils value their school. The percentage of pupils
attending one or more clubs weekly is at an all time high.
The Year 7s also show resilience and a real purpose daily
and I am extremely proud of them all! They are all great!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Parents’/Carers’
Consultation Evening. I hope it was informative. The results
from your parental survey will be shared with you via my
pastoral emails. Hopefully, you have found the pastoral
emails useful. I now aim to send them fortnightly, rather
than weekly.
Assemblies this term have focused on different Catholic
Social Teachings and we have been exploring how we can
put ideas into action. This term we have linked the ideas
of solidarity, rights and responsibilities, the common good
and care for creation. We also had the ‘Good News for
Everyone’ (formerly Gideons Society) deliver an assembly
about their mission and pupils received their copies of The
New Testament from them.
In PSHEe next term, the pupils will be exploring the
following themes: Wellbeing and approaches to staying
healthy; Social Media with a focus of sharing images, and
visits from our Police Liaison ofÏcer on staying safe.
Thank you for your continued support and please don’t
hesitate to get in touch with either myself or your child’s
tutor if you have any worries. Have a restful festive break.
Pastoral Reports
Year 8
Year 7
Page 2
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Mr Bligh
Pastoral Leader Year 7
mrblighj@strichardscc.com
As always, I like to share achievements in our newsletter and I want to congratulate Joana on
reaching her black belt in karate. An awesome achievement!
Mrs Murphy
Pastoral Leader Year 8
mrsmurphyj@strichardscc.com
Well done to Year 10 on individual successes, and
contributing to charity this term. Forms donated shoeboxes
for the Shoebox Appeal which was fantastic, and some
forms set up their own events to raise money for charities of
their choice.
Assemblies:
Well done to Mr Dallaway’s form, 10O, who gave an
excellent and informative assembly on The Common Good
aspect of Catholic Social Teaching: ‘How to be an active and
contributing citizen in your community’. We have also had
assemblies this term on Remembrance Day, the Importance
of utilising your talents based on a parable from the Gospel,
and ‘What Your GCSE is Worth’.
Shoebox Appeal:
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is also drawing to a close,
which constituted a monumental effort from all pupils
across the school. Thank you to all pupils and parents who
produced a shoebox. You will truly be making someone’s
Christmas that little bit happier this year. Year 10s
collectively put together 26 shoeboxes, and a big thanks to
Mr Eyre for organising this fantastic event. Well done to 10U
and 10H who donated the largest number of boxes!
PSHEe:
This term pupils have been focusing on finances in PSHEe,
looking at different ways they can keep themselves
financially safe and healthy as they grow up and become
more independent with money. They have also been looking
at “Keeping Myself Safe” which uses anecdotes and real
experiences of young people to illustrate how pupils can
avoid dangerous situations with drugs, alcohol, knives and
gang related activities. They will end the term with a specific
focus on knives and knife crime.
Careers Talk:
Pupils who volunteered were lucky come to a talk with
Tom Booth who is the BTEC lead at Newman College,
offering a course leading to careers in adventure. Tom
talked passionately about his own career which involved
travelling around the world running various activities such as
windsurfing and paddle boarding, and then about the course
that he leads which could give the children the skills and
qualifications they need to pursue a similar route. You can
find more information here.
Individual Successes:
Well done to 10F who raised £187 for the Bexhill Food
Bank! They achieved this through the sale of items made
in the Tech department, which is fantastic. A representative
from the Food Bank came in and collected a cheque from
the pupils.
Thank you all for your support in the academic year so far.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and
healthy new year.
As we approach the end of Term 2, Year 9 continue to be an
enthusiastic, motivated and happy year group.
Year 9 can bring many challenges in the form of increased
workload, academic decisions for the future and changing
friendship groups. However, the majority of the year group
continue to meet these challenges with resilience and
maturity.
Please continue to encourage your children to create
positive study habits by providing a space to work and
regular routines to complete homework. These habits
are invaluable for their later years and help to foster
independence and consistency.
We have an extensive programme of extra-curricular
activities offered at school and it would be great to see more
Year 9s attending. Prep Club continues to be available for all
pupils from 3:30 - 5pm Monday to Friday and Prep Club plus
is also available Monday to Friday until 4:30pm for those
pupils who require more support with their homework.
PSHEe: During this term, pupils have covered the topic of
exploitation and also started to explore option choices and
careers, with a focus on different pathways and options
for the future. This has also included a careers workshop
supported by the De La Warr Pavilion. Next term, the focus
will be Economic Wellbeing.
Charity events: This term, Year 9 have been involved in
the ‘Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal’. 9F raised £50 with their
photobooth and 9R raised £108 with their charity cake sale
for Warming up the Homeless. I look forward to the Year 9
Charity Ambassadors leading some further events during
Term 3.
Please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child’s Form
Tutor via EduLink, if you have any concerns. Have a happy,
restful and peaceful Christmas break.
Page 3
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Mrs Hills, Pastoral Leader Year 9
mrshillsa@strichardscc.com
Year 9
Mr Steele, Associate Assistant Principal,
Pastoral Leader Year 10, mrsteelej@strichardscc.com
Year 10
Rewards
Well done to the 45 pupils who received a postcard in
Assembly on the 4th December. These pupils were chosen
for having made the best effort from their recent progress
reports, not just on their results.
Assemblies/PSHEe
This term we have had ESCG and Claremont presenting
about post 16 transition and a presentation to Year 11 about
apprenticeships. We have had National Grief Awareness
Week as well as hymn practice and a look at the seven
principles of Catholic Social teaching.
College Applications
175 college applications have been sent off so far to local
colleges via eprospectus, which means 30 pupils have still
yet to complete their applications. Please encourage your
son/daughter to have all their applications completed and
submitted by the 16th December at the latest.
After School Intervention
After a trial of different methods to ensure as much
intervention as possible is available to Year 11 we are
sticking to the current model which has History/Geography
and MFL alternating on Mondays, Maths and Science
alternating on Wednesdays, RE and Science alternating
on Thursdays and Options running on Fridays. All these
sessions are from 3:15-4pm and available to all unless
otherwise specified.
Morning Intervention
Morning Intervention will reconvene in January and I will
be sending out the rota on a weekly basis via My Weekly
Bulletin.
Mock Exams Round 2
Mock Exams round 2 begin on 27th January so attendance
of all Intervention/Revision sessions is vital and has veen
proven to make a big difference to the results of pupils in
previous years. I have blank weekly revision blank rotas
available on the Year 11 Google Classroom for pupils to use
to plan their personal revision.
Final Examinations Timetable:
Please click here for the GCSE Examinations timetable
for Summer 2025. A reminder that all JCQ documents that
pupils, parents and carers should become familiar with are
available here.
I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Page 4
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Safeguarding and Pupil Wellbeing
Year 11
Mr R Doherty, Assistant Principal Pastoral Leader Year 11 mrdohertyr@strichardscc.com
St Richard’s pupils have been working on a series of workshops
to share their views on the impact of the cost of living crisis for
young people. In October, some of the pupils involved were able to
travel to London and present the Child Lock report to Number 10
Downing Street. Pupils shared their views in a live panel at the Save
the Children HQ, participated in a workshop at the Department for
Education engaging with members of the Poverty Task Force and
answered questions with the Secretary of State for Education. The
pupils were confident and articulate and were able to follow a piece of
work through from initial stages to presenting this to the Prime Minister.
In the build up to the Christmas period, it is important to remember
that for some children and families, this festive time may bring times
of sadness or worry. If you have concerns for your child or would like
to access some support over the Christmas period, please consider
contacting some of the services below. We wish you a safe and
peaceful Christmas. Mrs Dann, Pastoral Support Manager / DSL
Pupils
Parents
https://www.childline.org.uk/ 0800 1111
https://www.healthinmind.org.uk/
0300 0030 130 or email: spnt.healthinmind@nhs.net
https://www.irocksussex.com/
Email: irockeastsussex@spft.nhs.uk
https://www.holdingspace.org.uk/
01323 315005 or email: hello@holdingspace.org.uk
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/
Text SHOUT to 85258.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
0808 802 5544
https://www.samaritans.org/ Telephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help/sussex-mental-health-crisis-line
Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to be connected to a 24/7 mental health crisis line
If you need urgent medical help please contact 999 for an ambulance or attend the nearest A and E service.
This term the Wellbeing Ambassadors have been very busy running events for Anti-Bullying
week which ran from 11th - 15th November. This year's theme was Respect. Jack, Evanna,
Olivia, Tuleah, Elli, Khloe, Yasmin, Aliya, Alna and Destiny all presented excellent assemblies
on this theme. We also ran a multi craft session as part of our Time to Talk Tuesday Club. This
brings together pupils from all years to be able to make friends, chat to Wellbeing Ambassadors
and make amazing things. The best part of the week was 'odd sock day', a nationwide initiative
to say No to Bullying. Pupils all joined in and so did staff. The staff winners have to be Mrs
Hollands and Mrs Byrne, excellent effort! Many thanks to all the pupils who took part in the
Antibullying Poem competition. There were some amazing poems and we will be laminating
them and putting them up outside the Hive (our Wellbeing Hub). However, we had to have
some winners! Well done to Sienna-Rose, Yasmin, Jewel, Olga, Ophelia, Scarlett, Rose, Luke,
Tobenna, Arto, Talan, Jem and Carlo. Poets in the making!
The Student Council did so well selling poppies this year and we are very proud of how many
they were able to sell.
The Heads and Deputy Heads of House are currently busy taking names from pupils who want
to take part in the third 'Great St Richards Bake Off'. This competition is fantastic for winning
valuable House Points and some amazing creations happen. Photographs and winners will be in
the next Newsletter.
We continue to meet together as a Pupil Leadership Team and look forward to welcoming Mr
Barber to our next one.
We are also looking forward to our big coffee morning on February 6th. Time to Talk Day is the
nation's biggest mental health conversation and we will be taking part with the help of our Pupil
Leadership Team and raising money for good causes.
Mrs Taylor-Singfield, Pastoral Teaching Assistant
Pupil Leadership
Library
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Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Remembrance Day was marked in the library by a display of library
resources and photographs exploring the subject of War and supported
by two book lists. Fiction writers such as Michael Morpurgo, Sam Angus
and Theresa Breslin have drawn extensively on this topic for inspiration,
helping pupils to understand and empathise with those caught in
confusing and terrible circumstances. Non-fiction on this subject helps our
young historians to unpick the complexities of war and is a useful support
to those doing GCSE History.
New Stock in the Library
We have recently invested in a range of travel guides to boost our Geography non-fiction. Many of these
contain maps or free e-guides and are filled with historical, cultural and geographical information - with
lots and lots of lovely pictures of peoples and places in other lands. These are available for loan and will
be useful for pupils studying other countries as well as those planning future holidays.
A Book is Not Just for Christmas… As Christmas approaches, remember that
the gift of a book or book token is perhaps the best gift you could buy for a child.
Perhaps choose something you enjoyed as a child, and pass on your enthusiasm
for the story or author, or if you are unsure what to buy, try thinking about the kinds
of films, games or television programmes the child enjoys, and buy something
along similar lines. Books offer good value for money, and are less transient than
so many other gifts. All reading is good, all reading increases vocabulary and
facility with language, and all reading has a direct effect on exam grades.
And finally… The librarians of St Richard’s wish everyone in our school community and beyond a beautiful, quiet and
thoughtful festive season. Enjoy the break with your families and lots of books!
Ms Tocknell, Librarian
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Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Chaplaincy
Year 11 Mass
Year 11 had their final mass celebrated by Fr Simon who
reminded them to never forget they are part of a community
long after they leave St Richard’s - the community of
God. It was a great chance for the newly commissioned
Extraordinary Minister of Communion - Year 11 Caritas
Leaders Dan, Michelle and Henry to put into practice the
training they did with Deacon Simon South.
Liturgies
Year 7 Mass of Induction
The wonderful occasion that is our Year 7 Mass of Induction
took place on 19th October. It's always a joy to see how
much effort and commitment the Year 7s put into creating
this Mass of celebration. Once again, our Performing Arts
Department put in many hours of rehearsal to produce
some beautiful music, dance and drama to really reflect our
theme of friendship and community. We were joined by Fr
Kevin, Fr Chris and Fr Eamonn and Deacon Eugene formally
welcoming Year 7 into our community. Fr Kevin offered a
blessing on the pupils and their families for the next five
years here at St Richard’s. Many thanks to the PTFA for
providing refreshments and allowing pupils and parents a
chance to mingle after the Mass.
Form Liturgies
This term, we bade a fond farewell to Fr Simon Dray as
he led his final Mass at St Richard’s with 10F & 10R. It
was wonderful to have a chance to say farewell, and thank
him for all his hard work in our school. Mrs Stanford’s form
used this Mass to present the foodbank with a cheque for
money raised as part of their form charity, which Mr Delaney
accepted on behalf of the Bexhill Foodbank.
We welcomed our new Parish Priest, Fr Stephen O’Brien,
with a form Mass with 10L & 10I who had spent a lot of
time learning about St Martin of Tours whose feast fell on
that day of the Mass. They focused their Mass around our
Catholic Social Teaching of Preferential Options for the
Poor, The Common Good, Dignity and Solidarity, using the
story of Martin of Tours and how he recognised Jesus in
the poor man he gave his cloak to. Special thanks must go
to the musicians of the two forms who came together and
created a worship band, leading the music for the Mass.
Many thanks to Mrs Potter for supporting this wonderful
introduction to St Richard’s for Fr Stephen.
As we enter the season of Advent, we look forward to the arrival of Jesus on Christmas morning. Here in school, we offered
the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all pupils on December 6th. Preparations are under way for our annual Advent Service in
the school hall on Thursday, 19th December, and we look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to help us finish
the term ready for our Christmas celebrations.
Remembrance
As usual we marked Remembrance Day. The 2 minute
silence was held and outside in the playground and was
respectfully observed by a very packed hall of pupils of
all years. The History department prepared slides to be
shown at the start of each lesson regarding people who
had an impact on the many wars. We ensure that we do
not forget the sacrifice and suffering of those who fought
for our freedom. Most poignant, was the Last Post played
beautifully by Miguel.
Rotary Tea Party - Our Caritas Leaders were involved
with helping at the Rotary Tea Party for the Elderly and
really enjoyed the experience.
Pupils supported the Rotary Club with signing in the
guests and serving refreshments. Caritas Captain Misha
led the group in entertaining the guests by singing and
much enjoyment was had when the musical entertainment
began with our pupils jumping up and jiving with some of
the guests.
As we approach the Christmas holidays may I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all
in the New Year.
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Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Dance
Mrs Knight, Teacher of Dance
Induction Mass
It was so lovely to see the Year 7 Dance Company take to
the stage for the first time this year. For many Year 7s this
was the first time they had performed in front of an audience.
They performed a beautiful lyrical piece, ‘Chosen Family’,
showing Year 7 beginning their journey at St Richard’s,
making friends and becoming a family and community. I
would like to congratulate all that took part, either performing
or helping backstage.
Prize Evening
Congratulations to Millie for receiving the Dance cup at Prize evening. Millie was awarded the prize for
her commitment to the Dance Company, for her achievements and progress and for her ambassador
role for the Dance Company. She has been a devoted member of the Dance Company since Year 7.
Millie never missed a performance in the 5 years she attended St Richard’s. She also has been part of
the Trinity Laban Cat programme and has been an outstanding choreographer, achieving a grade 8 in
her GCSE Dance and a Level 2 Distinction in her BTEC Performing Arts (Dance Approach). We wish
Millie lots of luck in the future and look forward to following her Dance career.
Trinity Laban
Year 10 and 11 BTEC pupils have had the opportunity this term
to work at Trinity Laban on a creative/choreographic focus. This
has supported their exam coursework looking at the generation
of material from different stimuli.They have been working on
the idea of folding and unfolding as a creative stimulus. Both
groups will now be able to take forward all they have learnt
into their own creative process during their BTEC course and
external exam.
South Coast Ballet
Eliza and Anna recently took part in South Coast Ballet’s
production of Alice in Wonderland at the Congress Theatre
in Eastbourne. Oliwia worked backstage at the theatre,
having the opportunity to work alongside the professional
technical team creating props and sets. South Coast Ballet
aims to create and perform innovative and influential
dance, bringing together some of the brightest dance
talents from across Sussex, giving access to opportunities
within the theatre and classical ballet workshops.
Congratulations to all the girls who danced so beautifully
and Oliwia and Carla who showed a professional approach
to being part of the backstage crew.
Youth SVP
Caritas Captain and St Richard’s Youth SVP President Jack has been
busy this term organising a meeting with Chris and Claire from St
Vincent de Paul, Bexhill, alongside Jo to make plans for the year ahead.
Lots of exciting ideas including helping them with their new appeal logo,
a Sleep Out event for the Summer term and our support of the TEA@3
event. Jack organised for Chris and Claire to join a Year 8 assembly
where he and fellow members Gabriela and Olivia explained what St
Vincent De Paul Society is and what Youth SVP is, and how they can
get involved. We look forward to a new group of Youth SVP joining to
keep up the great work of the current Year 9s and 10s.
Jo Doyle - Lay Chaplain
Chaplaincy(cont’d)
Please click here for the brainteasers and puzzles
Page 8
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Geography
Fieldwork
Term 1 saw Year 7 geographers swapping
the classroom for the streets of Bexhill. They
studied two contrasting locations, comparing and
contrasting their geographical characteristics. Our
pupils independently collected and analysed data,
developing critical thinking and problem-solving
skills. Year 8 students transformed into coastal
scientists, investigating the dynamic forces
shaping our coastline at Bexhill beach. They
explored the fascinating processes of erosion,
deposition and transportation, and learned about
the delicate balance between human intervention
and natural forces. Pupils put their fieldwork skills
to the test, collecting valuable data for analysis
back in the classroom.
Green Team
The Green Team has been
flourishing this year, with a fantastic
influx of enthusiastic new members.
Building on last year's successes,
the team has recently completed an
Year 11 revision
Don’t forget, Year 11 after-school revision sessions
are open to all pupils on Mondays 3.15-4.00pm.
Every fortnight, we focus on a particular area of
GCSE content. Just check the timetables on the
Geography classroom doors, or on EduLink. By
attending these sessions you can improve your
understanding of key concepts, practice exam
questions and develop effective revision strategies.
energy audit and environmental review to identify
areas where we can reduce our environmental
impact. They're also busy planning exciting charity
events and implementing new recycling initiatives.
What’s happening in class?
As we come towards the end of Term 2 I would like to pass on how
very proud I have been of our pupils as the vast majority continue to
work extremely hard both in class and at home on this subject. You
will be rewarded for your efforts in future assessments, and your hard
work will ensure that many doors open up for you when you have to
make decisions about your future.
Year 7 pupils have continued in their new sets. All pupils are
following the same scheme of work but focussing on different areas,
depending on the prior knowledge of the pupils in the class. The
majority of assessments in Year 7 are taken by the whole cohort.
This means that pupils in lower sets may have scores which appear
low but actually demonstrate a good understanding of the topic
covered. Exposing pupils to tougher assessments lower down in
their secondary school career is one of the ways in which we aim
to prepare pupils for the demanding GCSE exams they will face in
Year 11. All pupils in Years 7 and 8 should have taken around 3 unit
assessments since the start of the year, Years 9 and 10 should have
taken around 2. Each one has a yellow feedback form from their
teacher. This includes some comments from their teacher, areas
for self-reflection and some further practice on topics your child
had found more challenging - with the aim of supporting greater
understanding of the unit post-assessment.
Please take a look at your child’s assessments and their feedback
from their teacher and sign the bottom of the yellow forms to
acknowledge receipt of them.
Maths
Year 11 pupils have completed their first set of mock exams. Although
there were many excellent results, a significant number of pupils will
have been disappointed by theirs. They must remember that this is
the point of mock exams, to make mistakes and then learn from them
so that future exams go better. This was their first attempt at a real
GCSE exam series in exam conditions. They now need to use their
QLA sheet (a review of their exam performance) to independently
revise their weaker topics and prepare for their next set of mock
exams begin at the end of January. Teachers will now analyse the
mock performance of their classes and use the results to plan the
content of their lessons between now and the next set of exams. All
teachers provide intervention sessions after school on Wednesdays.
Please contact the teachers directly if you have any questions about
your child’s progress in the subject.
Year 11 Maths Inspiration Visit
This year’s topics included probability, statistics and art. All speakers
were highly engaging and I hope that all pupils took something away
from the day, and seriously consider continuing their Mathematical
studies into A-Level and beyond. Please follow this link to a
document that talks more about the speakers and content, as well as
further information regarding studying Mathematics post 16.
On Monday, 2nd December, 15
Year 11 pupils went to London for
a Maths Inspiration event. The
aim of this was to expose pupils
to the application of Maths in the
real world, as well as to encourage
enjoyment of ‘doing Maths’.
Garden Club
Our Garden Club has been busy! Pupils have
been harvesting delicious vegetables including
broad beans, onions and pumpkins from our
garden. To make room for a new rock garden,
the club members cleared the bank, removing
weeds and debris. We can't wait to see the
finished garden. We've also been preparing
raised beds for wildflowers which will attract
pollinators and beautify our outdoor space.
Mr Jacobs - Subject Leader for Maths
Mr Skilton, Subject Leader of Geography
All the Learning Support team would like to wish our pupils
the very best of luck, and to remember to revise and rest in
equal measure!
Lunchtime Clubs
As we move into chillier weather, we now have two
separate lunchtime clubs open every day, always
supervised by a member of our SEND team. Please see
below for the rooming timetable:
Day
KS3
KS4
Monday
A4
AICT
Tuesday
A11
AICT
Wednesday
A10
AICT
Thursday
A5
AICT
Friday
A3
AICT
All of us in the SEND team wish you a very happy end of
term, and a wonderful Christmas and New Year break. We
look forward to being back and seeing you in January!
Mr Smith & the Learning Support department
SEND
(Special Educational Needs
and Disabilities)
Year 11 – Mock Exam
Our Year 11 pupils are currently between their first and second
sets of mock GCSE exams. Mrs Di Mascio and I met with
some learners earlier in December to talk about revision
routines and strategies, planning time during exams, and
making full use of exam support (also known as ‘access
arrangements’).
Are you still thinking, “I don’t know how to revise”?
A few tips:
•
Remember that a good revision session on a topic should
last for 20-30 minutes, and you should switch to a different
topic/subject after 30 mins max.
•
Always produce something as a result of each 20-30
minute session- do not just read and re-read your notes!
Instead…
-
Try making a mind map on a topic.
-
Time yourself completing part of the exam paper
(including extra time, if you have it).
-
Turn a page of a textbook or revision guide into a
spider-diagram or a page of notes.
•
Finally, remember that if you have extra time for exams,
ensure that you use this to add to your answer, make
changes and corrections or re-read your work thoroughly.
•
Similarly, you might have access to a laptop or rest breaks
– practice completing any practice tasks at home in a
similar way, so that you know what to expect on the day.
Upcoming events
Thursday, 9th January, 5pm – 7pm:
Year 9 Curriculum Evening. Mr Smith will be available on
the evening to discuss option choices with you and your
child/ward.
Thursday, 23rd January, 4pm – 7pm:
Year 9 Parents’ Evening. Parents/carers of pupils on our
SEND Register will be invited to make appointments with
Mr Smith in advance of the evening.
Page 9
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Art
I have included examples of the fabulous artwork that our Key
Stage 3 pupils are producing in their sketchbooks. Year 7 are
analysing tonality, texture, watercolour, pattern, and Japanese
ceramicist Takuro Kuwata. They are now designing their
amazing ceramic pinch pots. Year 8 pupils are designing their
coil pots in clay, studying the artwork of the Minoan dynasty,
graphic design, and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. Year 9 are
developing their natural form studies, looking at observational
nature. Year 10 Fine Art pupils are successfully working in their
sketchbooks with beautiful results, and Art Craft and Design
puils have just constructed fabulous sculptures inspired by
Kate Malone. Please do have a look at our pupils’ wonderful
artwork on the St Richard’s Art Department website here and
on X here. Thank you and keep creating!
Mr Peachment, Subject Leader of Art
The Old Chapel
Have you visited the Old Chapel recently? Things are
changing – please drop by (between A3 and the SEN OfÏce)
to see what’s new!
Music
Making Notes in the Library
The wonderful Ella in Year 7
performed a varied programme
to pupils and staff in the library
at the end of last term. Her
emotive playing left us in awe of
her phenomenal musicianship.
Informal Lunchtime Concerts in the Hall
Fancy challenging yourself to perform in front of others
but a little nervous? Come and speak to Mrs Potter to play
a little extract of something that you have been teaching
yourself to play on the piano or a riff you have learnt in your
lessons with Adam?
Glyndebourne Orchestra Workshop
Musicians from our orchestra were given the fantastic
opportunity to meet musicians from Glyndebourne Orchestra.
They delighted us with a beautiful, varied concert of a new
composition and a horn concerto. We then had the opportunity
to rehearse ‘Sleigh Ride’ with the Glyndebourne musicians
playing alongside our pupils!
Page 10
Newsletter 3 - December 2024
Les Choristes
50 members of the school choir were selected to sing at
the FILM Concert a few weeks ago alongside the Hastings
Sinfonia, Derk Carden and Polo Piatti. The choir sang three
beautiful songs from the film ‘Les Choristes’. These were all
in French. Our very own Miss Tester (French teacher) and
myself (Mrs Byrne) prepared these pupils for over two months
for this prestigious concert and they did not disappoint. It
was outstanding, so much so they received an encore!! Both
Miss Tester and myself are extremely proud of what they all
achieved on that day. We will be singing two of these songs at
the Advent Service too.
Piano and Voice Recital
We had the pleasure of hosting our annual Piano & Voice
Recital at the beginning of this term. We are so lucky
to have such great peripatetic teachers in our school
who provide such excellent teaching for our pupils. Both
Helen Ridout and Lizzii Hills worked solidly with our
pianists and vocalists to produce an evening of high
quality performances. It was a joy to witness. Well done
to all of our musicians involved. We look forward to more
performances in our annual music concert in March.
We are pleased to have welcomed the musicians from the
British Army who performed for the whole of the Year 8 cohort.
We have been focussing on BRASS instruments with this year
group and hope that some of them will take the opportunity to
come to Brass Club after Christmas or have some instrumental
lessons to further develop their playing. We have been really
encouraged by their progress this term. Well done, Year 8.
Exam Results:
Congratulations to:
Miguel - Grade 8 Piano Pass
Sholto - Grade 2 Piano Merit
Emilia in Year 8 represented
Hastings and East Sussex
with 993 other children from
around the country playing
the violin at the Royal Albert
Hall - CONGRATULATIONS
Coming up…..
Annual Music Concert
March 6th
Mrs Byrne, Subject Leader Music
Conducting Workshop with Dr Shelley Katz and
Concert
During the first week of this term we were extremely
lucky to have Dr Shelley Katz at St Richard’s to deliver
a conducting workshop for 14 of our musicians. Pupils
learnt how to conduct in 2,3 and 4 beat patterns. They
used batons and had a chance to use the innovative
conducting programme that he had invented.
That same evening pupils, staff and parents/carers were
invited to a concert to listen to a collection of suppressed
musical works from the Holocaust. We learnt the stories of
brave musicians, who fought to keep music alive in such
a difÏcult time and listened to the premier of these works
performed by Dr Shelley Katz with his conducting software
as well as hearing the beautiful voice of Adaya Peled.